ADVANCING ANIMAL DISEASE TRACEABILITY

ROAD MAP FOR

WEST VIRGINIA

A Three-Year Plan

Submitted by:

JAYME C. GARRETT

ANIMAL DISEASE TRACEABILITY COORDINATOR

WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

1900 KANAWHA BOULEVARD, EAST

CHARLESTON WV 25305 

304-644-7361

Submitted to:

MICHAEL A. KORNREICH, DVM

AREA-VETERINARIAN-IN-CHARGE FOR WV/PA

VETERINARY SERVICES

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

2300 VARTAN WAY

HARRISBURG, PA 17110

717-540-2763

January 2024
Table of Contents

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY....................................................................................................... 3

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION............................................................................ 3

2.1 Who are we? ....................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Where are we now?............................................................................................................. 3

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses.................................................................................................. 4

2.4 Opportunities and Threats................................................................................................... 5

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment............................... 6

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY....................... 6

3.1 Vision statement ................................................................................................................. 6

3.2 Mission statement ............................................................................................................... 7

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................... 7

4.1 Strategic goal(s)...................................................................................... 7

4.2 Programmatic goal(s) (Objectives)................................................................ 7

4.3 Animal disease traceability performance measures............................................................ 7

4.4 Data requirements............................................................................................................... 8

4.5 Information technology plan............................................................................................... 8

4.6 Resource requirements........................................................................................................ 8

4.7 Organizational needs........................................................................................................... 8

4.7.1 Executive support............................................................................................ 8

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures........................................................... 9

4.7.3 Policy............................................................................................................... 9

4.7.4 Staffing............................................................................................................ 9

4.7.5 Budget requirements ....................................................................................... 9

4.7.6 Outreach ........................................................................................................ 10

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians................................................................... 10

4.7.6.2 Livestock markets ............................................................................ 10

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole........................................................................... 11

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity ................................................... 11

V. TRACEABILITY IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................... 12

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement ............................................................................. 12

5.2 Implementation of objectives....................................................................................... 12/13
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Traceability is essential to ensuring healthy livestock populations by the capability to 

efficiently and effectively identify, track, control, and eradicate livestock diseases in West 

Virginia. The previous and continued work of all involved in the Animal Disease Traceability 

program will ensure this program continues a successful path in WV. This ADT roadmap is a 

continuation and revision of the previous 2019-2021 ADT Roadmap, as traceability continues to 

evolve. 

It is imperative that we continue the education of West Virginia producers on the 

requirements of the Animal Disease Traceability rule. We are continuing with education and 

outreach, the distribution of official identification tags, data sharing, and monitoring and reporting 

interstate movement. We benefit from these factors in a quicker response to controlled diseases 

and a faster normalization of industry and commerce. This plan builds upon previous efforts by 

the USDA VS information systems for traceability, premises numbers, and official identification. 

WVDA utilizes an electronic database of tags on the AIMs and USAHerds systems, which in 

part helps us to respond quicker to requests from other states and the USDA. WVDA has relied 

heavily on the USDA cooperative agreement funding to fulfill and achieve the progress that has 

been made so far in WV with traceability. WVDA AH is committed to continuing with ADT work 

as funding allows. 

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 Who are we?

This road map is prepared and implemented by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture 

Animal Health Division (WVDA AH). WVDA AH works alongside the WV University Extension 

service by realizing their ability to have day to day contact with producers for outreach and 

education. WVDA AH uses traceability data for disease traces, tissue residue and/or compliance

investigations, and lost or stolen animal inquiries, etc. Industry protection and the maintenance of 

animal movement and commerce continue to guide the program in WV. 

2.2 Where are we now?

WVDA AH has been defined as a combination of blended and stand-alone programs. We are 

combined in animal health with our tagging, market inspections, monitoring of slaughter animals, 

and vaccinations, but we stand alone in our Premise ID work. WVDA has registered 11,528

premises to date in WV, allowing for approximately 90% of our premises registered in the state.

From October of 2012 to September 2020, WVDA animal health field technicians tagged all

breeding beef cattle and all dairy cattle in our WV markets. Slaughter cattle were also tagged and 

identified in certain markets which resulted in approximately 80,229 cattle tagged or official ID 

recorded in our markets alone. Beginning in September 2020, we finalized the tagging transition 

in our livestock markets. 7 of our 8 livestock markets have signed WVDA tagging site agreements, 

taking over the identification and recordkeeping for interstate movement traceability from WVDA 
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AH staff. Handheld readers were provided for usage in these livestock markets with USDA ADT 

funding for tag recording. RFID tags from state funding are also provided to those approved 

tagging site livestock markets. Tag reports are sent from the livestock markets to the ADTC who 

then enters this data in the AIMS database. WVDA staff are now monitoring and providing 

outreach and education at our livestock markets on ADT regulations. We have encouraged ID in 

all state and cattle production sales, which has resulted in most of these cattle being identified with 

RFID tags. The ADTC currently retires RFID tags in AIMS on livestock slaughtered under 

inspection in our WV slaughter facilities. These tag numbers are recorded by WVDA AH meat 

and poultry inspectors and provided back to the ADTC. WVDA has been able to provide our WV 

livestock producers for many years with free RFID tags for usage from state funding. We have 

seen not only cattle producers participate, but also many captive cervid and swine producers. We 

currently complete any National Priority trace exercises that USDA-VS ADT staff request. These 

traces are completed and recorded in EMRS2. The ADTC also on occasion performs in house 

traces on our livestock markets by selecting an animal that is already officially identified and 

tracing buyer/seller information. We continue to complete any disease or compliance violation 

trace backs as they occur. WVDA animal health field technicians continue to monitor for ID 

compliance in livestock moving interstate into WV at fairs, festivals, and livestock shows. The 

ADTC and office assistant monitor ICVI’s for compliance, including ADT regulations.

The ADTC currently coordinates activities with other agencies on an individual basis. We 

have regular communication with individuals within WVDA, the WVU Extension service, and the 

USDA. Currently, the technology available revolves around USAHERDS, SPIS, AIMS, VSPS, 

GlobalVetlink, and USALIMS. We currently have 7 of our 8 livestock markets as official WV 

tagging sites for data capture and tracking. WVDA AHT’s all have access to tablets with the 

Mobile ID app for capturing data in the field. We continue to place efforts to expand our ICVI 

database with focus on electronic records.

Currently, there is no independent state funding for the ADT program, other than WV state 

funding for the purchase of RFID 840 tags. There is no guarantee on the duration of this state 

funding due to continued budgetary constraints. Accordingly, WV Animal Disease Traceability 

programs rely almost exclusively on federal funding for outreach efforts, technology 

advancements, travel, expanding our ICVI database etc. Without the continued support from the

USDA, WV Animal Disease traceability advancement would not be possible. 

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses

Our strengths include having a small state with an extremely friendly producer population that 

traditionally view the WVDA and the WVU extension service as helpful and supportive 

organizations. In addition, we recognize our weaknesses and are working to improve upon them. 

We may be lacking in personnel, but the people we have understand the requirements and have a 

determination to help the producers in WV thrive. We currently have 90% of our premises 

registered and have been updating them with current 911 addresses. Each animal health field 

technician has access to a tablet and wand for disease work in the field. These devices help with 

electronic storage of ID’s within WV. This allows us to respond to requests for information 

quicker. Even with such a small staff, we continue to present a large amount of outreach and 

education to the producers of WV on tagging requirements and the encouragement of using RFID 

technology for official identification. WVDA AH has been able to encourage the usage of RFID 
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840 tags for official identification with our producers, livestock markets, production sales, and 

county fairs over the years. We have even tagged all our WVDA breeding cattle on our state farms 

with RFID 840 tags for better record keeping, including farm management and routine disease 

testing.

Our weaknesses continue to be lack of funding and personnel. We need both to update our 

ICVI database, which is a limiting factor in trace time. We continue to work hard to have office 

staff trained to enter our hard copy cattle ICVI’s into USAHerds for easier searchability. We are 

continuing to work to expand all hard copy livestock ICVI’s to be entered into USAHerds. We are 

continuing to update this system but with limited funding and one office assistant who also has 

other duties, we are challenged. Limited personnel and employee turnover also create an obstacle 

in outreach, education, tagging, and support to the producers of WV.

2.4 Opportunities and Threats

There have been many opportunities to expand ADT in WV over the past several years. 

WVDA AH has worked hard to provide outreach and education throughout the state, resulting in 

many producers becoming aware of tagging regulations related to interstate movement. WVDA 

AH has worked to have cattle tagged at production sales and monitor interstate movement tagging 

compliance at shows and fairs. Having the ability to provide free RFID tags to producers for many 

years has allowed for greater exposure and a positive outlook on the tagging requirements. 

WV currently has no specific standards but does identify public livestock markets as being at 

high risk for the transportation of animal diseases through animal movement. We believe by having 

most of our livestock markets as official tagging sites, we will be better able to trace cattle in the

instance of an outbreak and allow our producers to become better exposed to RFID tags and their 

usage. 

In the event of an agricultural incident/emergency/disease outbreak, WVDA has developed 

an Incident Management Team (IMT). The IMT is activated to manage any type of agriculture 

incident/emergency. The IMT operates within the structure of the Incident Command System 

(ICS). The IMT hasthree people identified for each of the Command and Staff positions in addition 

to personnel to fill other operational components. The IMT participates in various types of training 

opportunities. In addition to personnel, WVDA has trucks/trailers, equipment and supplies 

available to respond to incidents. The WVDA has taken a proactive approach to informing and 

educating the public regarding what bio-security measures to follow. The ADTC has participated 

in IMT training through the WVDA and is listed in the WVDA IMT structure as Operations 

Section Chief. Information made available from the ADTC would add much needed information 

to the database in this area.

Currently, it is possible to search our older paper based CVI system within a reasonable time 

of receiving a request. However, results of this system are mixed. Not from a standpoint of our 

ability to search, but by the receipt of CVI’s from the veterinarian of origin. Our main weakness 

is when a CVI has not been forwarded to us by the veterinarian. This problem affects both 

incoming and outgoing certificates. We do continue to encourage electronic ICVI usage with our 

accredited veterinarians. Using USAHerds to enter these current hard copy ICVI’s is greatly 

assisting us with decreasing our searching time. The WVDA maintains normal office hours with 

a 24/7 emergency line. Several personnel within the Animal Health Division are available to 

respond to emergency calls, as well as the ADTC if necessary.
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Have previous efforts to coordinate with other entities within the applicant’s boundaries, 

and outside the applicant’s boundaries, been complicated or unavailable for not having this 

plan in place?

Yes. Prior to development and initial implementation of the WV Animal Disease Traceability 

program, efforts to provide animal identification, and ultimately traceability, have been mostly 

unavailable.

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment

From October of 2012 to September 2020, WVDA Animal Health Field Technicians have

tagged breeding cattle and all dairy cattle in our WV markets, which has resulted in 

approximately 80,229 cattle tagged or official ID recorded in the markets alone. This information 

was collected by WVDA animal health field technicians and was recorded in the AIMS database 

by the ADTC. This work resulted in a large collection of data and cattle identified in WV. Records 

of all tags issued by the WVDA to private veterinarians, livestock producers, and livestock markets 

are maintained in USAHerds and AIMS databases. Electronic OCV vaccination tags are currently 

being used and are distributed to veterinarians. 

Human resources: Animal Disease Traceability Coordinator.

Space: Sufficient facilities are available for additional personnel and all necessary equipment. 

Connectivity: All WVDA AH field technicians and the ADTC have access to tablets, wands,

laptops, I-phones and have been trained on radios. 

USDA Resources: USAHERDS, AIMS, AHER

Organization of paper records: We have a filing system in place for ICVI’s, quarterly 

reports, market bulletins, and testing records. We also utilize SPIS and USAHERDS. AIMS is also 

used for all tags distributed to producers and applied in livestock markets. 

3 VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

3.1 Vision Statement

The mission of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture is to protect plant, animal and 

human health and the state’s food supply through a variety of scientific and regulatory programs; 

to provide vision, strategic planning and emergency response for agricultural and other civil 

emergencies; to promote industrial safety and protect consumers through educational and 

regulatory programs; and to foster economic growth by promoting West Virginia agriculture and 

agribusinesses throughout the state and abroad.
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3.2 Mission Statement

The mission of the Animal Health Program is to enforce certain agriculture laws and the 

regulations legally promulgated in carrying out the mandates of the laws. The charge is to prevent, 

suppress, and control any communicable diseases of animals or poultry.

4 TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Strategic goal(s)

West Virginia’s goal is to develop and implement a State-wide infrastructure for advancing 

animal disease traceability compatible with State and USDA standards in order to ensure the health 

and safety of the livestock population. 

4.2 Programmatic goals (objectives)

• Target, develop, and implement outreach messaging to producers

• Monitor ICVI data

• Input data into appropriate systems in a timely fashion

• Improve retrieval of available traceability information

• Establish compatible standards for sharing data with States and 

USDA when needed

• Integrate surveillance and traceability data

• Expand staffing for program

• Enhance IT infrastructure

• Increased usage of eCVIs by veterinarians

4.3 Animal disease traceability performance measures (required)

Currently, traceability capability is measured by the four performance standards 

defined by USDA APHIS VS. National Priority Traces are generated by VS staff and 

completed by ADTC and AH support staff as needed. NPT’s completed for the four 

performance standards thus far have been adequate and are recorded in EMRS2. 
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4.4 Data requirements

Premise identification shall follow standards set by the USDA VS and SPIS. 

USAHerds software shall allocate location identification. WVDA has decided to 

supply WV official tagging site livestock markets with RFID tags for interstate 

movement identification contingent on state funding. We will also supply 

veterinarians with electronic identification in the form of OCV RFID tags. We 

encourage RFID OCV tags. In order to encourage upgraded traceability technology, 

we will provide producers with 25-30 RFID tags per calendar year from state funding.

This includes not only cattle producers, but also captive cervid and swine producers.

Tags will be distributed out of the WVDA AH office in Charleston. Tags will be 

recorded with the Premise ID in USAHerds before shipment. The ADTC then enters 

all tags into the AIM’s system. WVDA AH will also work to distribute the USDA’s 

free RFID tags to cattle producers for usage in replacement heifers. Livestock 

identified with RFID tags and slaughtered under inspection at WV slaughter facilities 

will continue to have their tags retired. This information is captured by WVDA AH 

meat and poultry inspectors and retired in AIMS by the ADTC. Commuter herds must 

have a MOU between states. Owner shipper statements are approved for interstate 

movement on animals traveling to an approved livestock market. Traceability data will 

be shared upon request with USDA APHIS VS and other states. Traceability sighting 

data from WVDA AH is shared with AHER. 

4.5 Information technology plan

USAHerds is utilized for WV ADT data. WVDA also incorporates tablets 

with the MobileID for field work as needed to record and import data to the AIMs 

system. 

4.1 Resource requirements

• WVDA has identified electronic ICVI records as an area within 

ADT that continues to need upgrading. This has been a challenge 

for us due to limited staffing and funding. WVDA uses USAHerds 

and is committed to continue utilizing this program for increased

ICVI data capture. 

4.2 Organizational needs

• Does a need for organizational change exist? Is it recognized?

No. 

• Can additional resources be leveraged within the current 

administrative structure? No. 

4.2.1 Executive support

• WVDA Executive Staff are kept apprised of ADT 

regulations and staff work through communications via the 
9

State Vet or ADTC. They are supportive of ADT and 

official identification. 

4.2.2 Coordination and oversight procedures

• The ADT program in WV is primarily handled by the ADTC

and State Veterinarian. Support staff include the animal 

health field technicians and supervisor, office assistant, and 

program data analyst. These staff work together daily and 

communicate regularly. Staff keep up to date on emergency 

preparedness and biosecurity through training offered 

through WVDA. 

4.2.3 Policy

• How do existing mandates assist, limit, or modify what is 

intended to be achieved? WVDA AH follows USDA ADT 

regulations relating to tagging identification and interstate 

movement. 

• Is there a need to address any specific mandates and act 

to modify them to align them with current goals and 

objectives? Not currently. 

4.2.4 Staffing

• The ADT program in WV is a distinct function for the 

Animal Disease Traceability Coordinator. Support staff 

include the State Veterinarian, animal health field 

technicians, office assistant, lab assistant, and program 

analyst. 

Budget requirements

• The Animal Disease Traceability program in WV is funded 

almost exclusively from the USDA ADT Cooperative 

Agreement, except for state funding allotted for the purchase 

of RFID official ID tags to be used in the livestock markets 

and for producers/veterinarians in the state. 

• FY 2024 proposed budget of $110,708. An estimate for FY 

2025 and 2026 would be for the same amounts. 
10

4.2.5 Outreach

4.7.6.1. Accredited veterinarians

• Accredited veterinarians in WV are provided 

with RFID OCV tags by the WVDA. They 

are provided with a spreadsheet to record tag 

records on to also be sent back to WVDA for 

record keeping. 

• Each veterinarian that submits an ICVI into 

our office that is non-compliant receives a 

letter back stating the nature of the 

incompliance. Repeat offenders receive a 

phone call or referred to the USDA. 

• Accredited veterinarians are notified of any 

changes to ADT rule through communication 

from WV State Vet. Future plans include 

notification and encouragement of using 

electronic methods of ICVI’s rather than 

traditional paper copies. AH staff and ADTC 

routinely answer questions from accredited 

veterinarians and encourage electronic 

ICVI’s.

• Often accredited veterinarians serve as a 

source of outreach to their clients on official 

identification and the ADTC receives many 

requests for RFID 840 tags this way. 

• The ADTC in the past has been able to assist 

accredited veterinarians with field work 

utilizing a wand and PDA to capture RFID 

tags. This has allowed for the education on 

technology and encouraged many large-scale

producers to utilize RFID 840 tags in their 

herd management. 

4.7.6.2. Livestock markets

• ADTC or AH staff member attend yearly 

required Livestock Market Meeting with 

market owners, LMA staff, P&S 

representation, USDA, etc. to update markets 

of any changes or concerns with ADT. 

ADTC also visits markets on an as needed 

basis or when time permits. WVDA AH field 

technicians are present on sale days each 

week to interact with sale owners, 
11

management, and producers. They also 

provide monitoring and updates on the ADT 

program at our livestock markets, with any 

violations or concerns being shared with our 

WV USDA counterparts. 

• 4.7.6.3. Industry as a whole

• The agriculture industry in WV is informed 

of ADT regulations and changes through 

education and outreach through the ADTC 

and AH field staff. Outreach is presented 

through various meetings during the year. 

Fair board meetings, WV Fairs & Festivals 

Association meeting, extension dinner 

meetings, WV State Fair planning meetings, 

production sale meetings, WV Agriculture 

Day at the State Capitol during the annual 

legislative session, and bull test meetings are 

just a few examples. Information sharing 

with the WVU Extension service allows for 

broader outreach as they deal with producers 

daily. Articles are published as needed in the 

statewide WVDA Market Bulletin 

highlighting ADT regulations and changes. 

The WVDA website includes ADT 

information. The WV State Veterinarian 

communicates with accredited veterinarians 

in the state and can provide up to date ADT 

information to this agriculture sector.

4.8. Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity 

• The ADTC and an office assistant monitor the incoming and 

outgoing ICVI’s for compliance. The office assistant keeps records

of the number of animal shipments moved interstate in a 

spreadsheet. ADT Violations are reported quarterly to the USDA. 
12

5 TRACEABILITY IMPLEMENTATION

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement

1.WVDA plans to continue with education and outreach to producers and 

agriculture groups throughout WV, especially as new changes could take 

place within the ADT program. This includes continuing to work with our 

official tagging site livestock markets on identification and record keeping.

2. WVDA will continue encouraging the usage of RFID 840 tags for official 

identification over the traditional “NUES” tags. We hope to continue to 

distribute RFID tags to producers along with OCV RFID tags to 

veterinarians, if the funding is available. 

3. WVDA plans to continue to encourage the usage of electronic ICVI 

methods with our accredited veterinarians in the state.

4. WVDA will continue working to accumulate electronic ADT records 

related to tagging data, ICVI’s, tag retirement at slaughter, etc.

These priorities will continue to be built on the previous work by our staff 

for the ADT program. 

5.2 Implementation of objectives

1. This objective will be completed by WVDA animal health staff

attending our official tagging site livestock markets sales to assist in 

education regarding official identification requirements and the correct 

record keeping. Our AH staff will also provide ADT outreach at 

producer meetings, events, through daily phone calls, and at 

fairs/festivals/shows. 

2. WVDA receives daily phone calls requesting official identification and 

we continue to promote and provide RFID tags/technology to these 

producers over NUES tags. We can provide USDA funded replacement 

heifer RFID tags to our WV cattle producers and state funded RFID tags 

to our livestock producers. RFID tag outreach will continue to be 

provided at producer meetings and events. Support staff are trained in

RFID tag requests to be able to answer questions via phone calls. 

3. This objective continues to be a challenge. Staff encourage usage of

electronic ICVI’s when communicating with WV accredited 

veterinarians. Future goals would include having more of our accredited 

veterinarians transition to electronic ICVI methods. 

4. WVDA continues to work on capturing electronic tag data. Our meat 

and poultry inspectors capture RFID tag data at our state inspected 

slaughter facilities for all species and those tags are retired. Tagging data 

continues to be recorded at WV official tagging site livestock markets. 
13

All tag distribution records from our office are recorded as are test 

charts. Livestock ICVI records are uploaded into our USAHerds 

database Future goals would be to have more staff trained on uploading 

tag data into our USAHerds database, but with a limited staff this will 

involve cross training.